There is a difference between being alone and loneliness. Loneliness is a negative state of existence that includes being alone and having an inner void or loss. When lonely, you may feel rejected, unloved, ignored, or excluded. These feelings can lead to depression and other negative thoughts that may make it difficult to connect with your loved ones. Loneliness can also trigger or worsen alcohol addiction. Alcoholism can lead to broken relationships and loss of friends, thus creating feelings of loneliness and isolation. Without the right support, alcohol and loneliness can ruin your life. Contact our team at a dual diagnosis treatment program in Houston at 866.516.8356 to help you overcome alcohol abuse and loneliness.
What Is the Connection Between Alcohol and Loneliness?
Alcohol and loneliness go hand-in-hand. You can turn to alcohol to cope with feelings of rejection and depression. Once you start drinking to ease depression, you increase your chances of loneliness as you try to hide your drinking habits. The more you get lonely, the more difficult it becomes to stop drinking. However, it is difficult to determine whether it is the loneliness that leads to alcohol abuse or alcoholism, leading to loneliness. Your therapist can recommend a dual diagnosis treatment program to address alcohol and loneliness.
What Are the Effects of Alcohol Abuse and Loneliness?
Alcohol abuse and loneliness can affect your life in multiple ways. Some of the effects include:
Depression
Loneliness, alcohol abuse, and mental health disorder often go hand-in-hand. High consumption of alcohol imbalances the brain chemicals responsible for controlling mood and the brain’s reward system. This imbalance triggers symptoms of depression, such as mood swings, irritability, and anxiety.
If you are suffering from depression, you are more likely to abuse alcohol. Most people use alcohol to suppress the symptoms related to depression, such as insomnia, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Without a comprehensive depression treatment, alcohol abuse coupled with depression, can increase the risk of self-injury and suicidal behaviors. Dual diagnosis treatment from a reputable recovery center can help you manage these problems.
Social Anxiety
Most people abusing alcohol suffer from social anxiety disorders and use alcohol to boost their confidence. The stresses and anxious feelings associated with social phobias can prevent you from connecting with your family and friends.
Other effects of alcohol abuse and loneliness include:
- Irregular sleeping patterns
- Decreased immune system
- Low-self esteem
- Confusion
How Can You Manage Alcohol Abuse and Loneliness?
Entering a detox center can help you treat alcohol addiction that may be the root cause of loneliness. Your therapist can also recommend a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle therapies to bring you back on track. Depression treatment can also reinstate your mental well-being to help you break the cycle of alcohol abuse and loneliness.
Speak to someone you trust about your fears and your alcohol abuse problem. Having a network of people whom you can contact whenever you feel lonely can help you to dispel the feeling of depression.
You can also use the internet to join communities that can help you manage your alcohol abuse and loneliness. Connecting with your family and friends can also reduce the risk of depression and self-harm. Our goal is to help you overcome alcohol abuse.
Seek Help at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
Through professional help, it is possible to break the cycle of alcohol abuse and loneliness. Our support team at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston can help you regain control of your life. We offer comprehensive treatment programs to meet individual needs. Our recovery programs include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- Individual therapy program
- Group therapy program
- Family therapy program
Let us help you lead a sober and happy life. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston today at 866.516.8356 to learn more about alcohol and loneliness and begin your recovery journey.
